Other Top Soviet Leaders

Andrei A. Gromyko

March 12, 1985

The 75-year-old Soviet foreign minister has been active in shaping foreign policy under four leaders, especially Chernenko. According to Western diplomats, he is among the three or four most influential Soviet officials.

NIKOLAI A. TIKHONOV

The 79-year-old Soviet premier was a close political ally of Chernenko. His age and the changing leadership picture should nudge him towards retirement.

GRIGORI V. ROMANOV

The 62-year-old former Leningrad party chief has a reputation for efficiency and ideological toughness. He is a member of the Central Committee secretariat and was considered a chief rival to succeed Chernenko.

VIKTOR V. GRISHIN

Moscow Communist Party leader and a 14-year veteran of the Politburo, Grishin, 70, edged his way into the Kremlin`s ruling circle through long party service.

GEIDAR A. ALIEV

Aliev, 61, a first deputy premier, served in the KGB and party leadership in the predominantly Moslem republic of Azerbaijan. He became a full Politburo member in November, 1982.

VITALY I. VOROTNIKOV

Vorotnikov, 59, was named an alternate member of the Politburo and premier of the Russian Republic in June, 1983. Six months later, he was promoted to full membership, a rapid rise.